Ford Crown Victoria Model History

The Crown Victoria name first appeared in the Ford line-up in the 1955 model year as a high-fashion version of the Fairlane. Existing as a two-door coupe for 1955 and 1956, 24 years would pass before the Crown Victoria rejoined the Ford line-up. Though some two-door Ford Crown Victoria models would be available through the 1980s, the vehicle would be successful as a four-door sedan.

While the Taurus was intended to be a replacement to the full-sized, rear-wheel drive Ford Crown Victoria, popularity as a fleet vehicle motivated a complete redesign for the 1992 model year. In 1998, several aspects of the Crown Victoria were refined. A more prominent grille, larger headlight housings and single faux vent window at the rear door were design changes made on the 1998 model. Capable seating up to six passengers with an optional front bench seat, the 1998 Ford Crown Victorias rear-wheel drive system was propelled by a new 4.6-liter Modular V-8 engine linked to a four-speed automatic transmission. Anti-lock braking system became standard on the Crown Victoria for 1999 while an emergency trunk release system was added to the car in 2000.

In 2002, an extended length model of the sedan was first sold. Maintaining its large stature in 2003, the Ford Crown Victoria did undergo a massive mechanical refit that included a revamped suspension. For 2007, the Crown Victorias 4.6-liter V-8 generated 239 horsepower and featured E85 FlexFuel compatibility. No longer available as part of Fords showroom line-up after the 2007 model year, the Ford Crown Victoria remained assessable as a fleet vehicle for an additional four years. The Crown Victorias retirement in 2011 officially allowed the Ford Taurus to preside as the brands largest sedan.